Focusing on What Matters Most at Christmas

-by Mary May Larmoyeux– As we count down the days to December 25, I’m reminded to focus on what matters most at Christmas. And this year I can’t help but recall Grandparents Day at our grandchildren’s elementary school. Every year it coincides with the annual book fair. And guess who buys books for their grandkids. Yep, dear old Grandma and Grandpa.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I truly appreciate the school honoring grandparents, meeting their teachers, and seeing their classrooms! But this past September, as I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with children and grandparents picking out just the right books, my mind did something strange—it fast-forwarded to Christmas.

Feeling like books might be valued more than grandparents that day, I wondered, “Is this what Jesus thinks of Christmas in my corner of the world? Is it filled with more excitement for presents under the tree than it is for the One who is the greatest gift of all?”

I am humbled when I think of our Savior’s birth and full of hope when I think about what He offers each of us—true, everlasting peace. Yet, how often do I ponder what this means in my life and legacy?

Luke 2, 11-14 says: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’”

And John 8:12 reminds us that Jesus offers true light to the world. “I am the light of the world,” He said. “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

It won’t be long until we celebrate the birth of Christ. How are you pulling away from the hectic pace of holiday life to ponder what matters most at Christmas? How are you helping your kids and grandkids to recognize the greatest Gift they could ever receive?

Here are a few ways you could keep “Christ in Christmas” this year:

Sign up for Pastor David Jeremiah’s “25 Days of Christmas Online Celebration.” If you would like to do this, too, visit David Jeremiah.org/25Days.